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Experience Day of the Dead celebrations with an immersive mix of culture, nature and food.
Operates October 25th 2023
Hanal Pixan, roughly translated as “Food of the Souls”, is the Day of the Dead celebration in Yucatan.
Join in on the vibrant and colorful celebrations of Day of the Dead in Merida. This traditional Mexican festival is a chance to witness and actively participate in rituals and ceremonies that pay homage to deceased loved ones.
Master the art of traditional Mexican cuisine by taking a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn how to make Pib, a delicious and unique tamal made especially for the Day of the Dead celebrations. The class will be held by a local cook and you will learn about the history, tradition and the ingredients used in the tamal.
Explore the natural beauty of Mexico by visiting a variety of mesmerizing cenotes and a truly beautiful cave system. The crystal-clear water, natural light and limestone formation of the cenotes and the cave system will leave you in awe.
Delve into the cultural significance of death and mourning by visiting three different cemeteries and witnessing the intricate and meaningful rituals of Day of the Dead up close. Overall, the tour will allow you to experience and understand the significance of this traditional celebration in the local culture.
Witness and take part in Day of the Dead celebrations in three different locations.
Learn how to cook 'pib', a special kind of tamale prepared in Yucatan for Day of the Dead celebrations.
Explore three different stunning cenotes.
Enjoy one of the wonders of the world - Chichen Itza.
Alex and his team take you to see the less visited, more authentic side of the country. Even if you’re staying in a big resort area, we have designed our tours to focus on unique experiences.
Wander through cobblestone streets, watch craftspeople in their workshops (or participate in craft making!), taste the food, and learn how to make it. Visit the natural wonders of Mexico, and marvel with our rich culture.
Having worked in tourism in Mexico for 50+ years, we have curated our experiences to show you only what we love the most.
Upon arrival in the charming city of Cancun, you’ll be warmly greeted by our friendly staff who will escort you to your beach hotel for check-in. Take the evening to relax and unwind after your journey, and get ready for an exciting experience ahead.
Accommodation
Presidente InterContinental Cancun; no meals included today
Meals:
No meals included today
Today, you’ll visit the lesser-known but equally impressive archaeological site of Ek Balam. Far less visited than the nearby Chichen Itza, but no less remarkable. Marvel at the complexity of the statues, engravings and palaces, and feel free to climb the pyramids if you’re feeling adventurous.
After your visit, the journey continues to the magical town of Izamal, where houses are painted in bright yellow and a local convent boasts the second largest atrium in the world. From here, you’ll head inland towards Merida for a four night stay.
Accommodation
El Castellano
Meals:
Breakfast included.
Travel southwest to visit the picturesque and unique Mayan city of Uxmal, renowned for its intricate engravings and unique architectural style known as Puuc. This is one of the most important Mayan cities and it’s sure to leave you in awe.
Afterwards, you’ll head to a nearby cave system, where you’ll have a striking encounter with the Mayan underworld.
We will then head back to Merida, where we will witness the Day of the Dead procession, the peak of the festivities in Merida; full of colour, music, and food. The procession ends at the main square, where we can participate in the celebrations and admire the display.
Accommodation:
El Castellano
Meals:
Breakfast is included today.
Today’s itinerary is more relaxed, allowing you to fully enjoy the charming colonial White City during a guided city tour, followed by a flavorful food tour of the local hotspots. Merida is a city that truly embodies the Mexican people- you’ll see evidence of its rich history, cultural diversity, and the pride of its inhabitants everywhere you look. Later in the evening, continue to indulge in the local Day of the Dead celebrations.
Accommodation:
El Castellano
Meals:
Breakfast and lunch included.
A short distance from Merida, you’ll find an intriguing collection of cenotes, natural sinkholes that are considered sacred by the Mayan people. You’ll visit three different ones, learning about their different types, their connection to the Mayan underworld and their religious significance. Of course, you’ll have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in these crystal-clear waters.
Afterwards, you’ll return to Merida to witness the Day of the Dead procession, the peak of the festivities in Merida, full of color, music, and delicious food. The procession ends at the main square, where you can join in the celebrations and admire the intricate altars on display.
Accommodation
El Castellano
Meals:
Breakfast included.
Prepare for an unforgettable, authentic experience as you immerse yourself in the daily life of a traditional Mayan community. You’ll have the opportunity to converse, learn and spend time with local families who are direct descendants of the ancient Mayan Kingdom.
They’ll welcome you into their homes, sharing their customs, teaching you about traditional handcrafts, farming, and cooking techniques. Participate as much or as little as you like, and savor the delicious meal prepared by your host family, before taking a refreshing dip in the local cenote. The journey continues to the charming colonial city of Valladolid in Yucatan, for 2 nights of comfortable accommodation.
Accommodation
Real Hispano
Meals:
Breakfast included
Rise and shine for an early start to visit the awe-inspiring archaeological site of Chichen Itza before the crowds arrive. Here, you’ll explore the main areas of the site, including the sacred cenote, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the connection between this world and the world beyond, along with the ancient Mayan beliefs surrounding death.
Before heading back to Valladolid, take a refreshing dip in a cenote and later, experience the local Day of the Dead celebrations in the evening.
Accommodation
Real Hispano
Meals
Breakfast included
Start your day off on the right foot with a captivating city tour of Valladolid, where you’ll delve into the traditional flavors and rich history of the Yucatan Peninsula. As you explore the charming streets of this vibrant city, you’ll learn about its past as a thriving hub of commerce and agriculture, as well as its important role in interactions between the Maya and the Spanish.
After the tour, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own, whether it’s browsing the local markets, doing some shopping, or simply relaxing in a charming café. Later, you’ll head back to Cancun where you’ll embark on an unforgettable taco tour and discover the best local spots where locals actually dine.
Accommodation
Real Hispano
Meals
Breakfast and dinner included
Sadly, your incredible journey comes to an end. At the designated time, our professional driver will arrive at your hotel to drive you to the airport, after a trip been filled with unforgettable experiences, amazing sights and mouth-watering foods.
We thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey and we hope that you’ll return soon to discover more of the beauty and culture of Mexico. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!
This tour starts and ends in Cancun.
Getting there
Please note that prices for the holidays do not include flights. We recommend using www.skyscanner.net to check flights.
Nearest airport:
Cancun International Airport
Located in the eastern-most part of Mexico, the Yucatan peninsula holds a wealth of places to visit: the resort destinations of Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen; the less visited beaches of Progreso, El Cuyo and Sisal; countless cenotes (natural sinkholes) and caves; a dense jungle perfect for hiking and bird watching; a myriad of little towns where the descendants of the Mayan people still speak their native language, and carry on with their traditions; and of course, the dozens of archaeological sites left behind by the Mayas.
